Final answer:
Countries with internal issues may go to war to protect power and wealth, as a distraction from domestic problems, or when economic struggles necessitate swift resolution. Historical precedents like the annexation of Crimea by Russia also show how geopolitical ambitions can lead to conflict. Civil wars and separatist movements often arise when the elite's interests conflict with the general populace.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reasons Why Countries Embroiled in Internal Conflict May Go to War
A country suffering from internal issues may decide to go to war for a variety of reasons. The desire to gain or protect power and wealth is a central motive, either in the form of land and resources or seeking liberty and autonomy. Political struggles, including groups competing for different outcomes within a country, can escalate to military confrontations. A country's leadership might choose war to distract from domestic issues, unite its populace against a common external enemy, or because they identify a strategic opportunity to act when potential adversaries are preoccupied with their own issues.
History has shown that conflict is often used as a means to resolve the prisoner's dilemma, where nations may attack preemptively rather than waiting for an attack that seems inevitable. Moreover, economic challenges like capital flight or corruption can weaken a country's ability to resolve issues peacefully, incentivizing a turn to militaristic solutions that appear to offer quicker, though far more destructive, results.
An example of such a conflict influenced by internal issues is the situation in Ukraine, where the Russian annexation of Crimea was driven by a desire to acquire territory and natural resources. This has led to increased tensions and military engagement. It is also not uncommon for the internal strife to lead to a full-blown civil war or separatist movements, where the interests of the political elite diverge from those of the rest of the population.